It is customary for a woman to propose marriage to a man on a Leap Year Day. It is believed to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.
During the Middle Ages, a man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman's proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Boon Products
Ugh I love Boon!! ;D LOVE
http://www.booninc.com/products/Stash/1309
Bug Pod - Bath toy scoop, drain, storage
http://www.booninc.com/products/BugPod/450
Whale Pod
http://www.booninc.com/products/WhalePod/407
Caterpillar Stack Snack
http://www.booninc.com/products/CaterpillarStack/467
http://www.booninc.com/products/Bubbles/962
Odd Ducks
http://www.booninc.com/products/OddDucks/956
Flaunt Shelf
http://www.booninc.com/products/Flaunt/1320
http://www.booninc.com/products/Stash/1309
Bug Pod - Bath toy scoop, drain, storage
http://www.booninc.com/products/BugPod/450
Whale Pod
http://www.booninc.com/products/WhalePod/407
Caterpillar Stack Snack
http://www.booninc.com/products/CaterpillarStack/467
http://www.booninc.com/products/Bubbles/962
Odd Ducks
http://www.booninc.com/products/OddDucks/956
Flaunt Shelf
http://www.booninc.com/products/Flaunt/1320
Monday, February 27, 2012
fashion on hold, my later dream
For those of you who know me, I was always going to work up the fashion ladder and started to in my college years. A lot of you actually tried to prevent me from me switching out from fashion. :P As soon as I met my husband we talked about many things early on and came to an agreement that if I am able to stay at home to be a mother, wife, and homemaker that I would. We both grew up where our parents were always working hard for us and so they never came to our games, etc. Long story short is that I have [90% :] happily put my fashion dreams aside for our family. It would be a privilege, and no money or time in the world would compare for me.
I absolutely miss fashion right now, but I DEF dont miss working in the fashion industry where its do or die, everything was supposed to be done yesterday but couldnt bcos of other factors, and the stress... all for clothes, accessories, etc. I love fashion, but hi we are not saving lives!! ;] As I respect the fashion industry and the hard sweat, blood, and tears [lol. so not kidding], I felt my morals being unbalanced. So of course I tried to start my own fashion business but didnt follow through on marketing, etc. and just made a blog for my fashion outlet. lol.
As I am home later with screaming babies, house a mess, still have errands to run by myself... I might cry, lol but won't regret it. My prayer is still to be able to pursue fashion later when I'm 40+. tehehehe. I just can't and won't give up fashion. It's just on hold. My prayer is to be able to be a stylist and personal shopper when I'm in my 40s and 50s. Why not!? And with the power of prayer, I will be able to juggle in 15 hours a week to start that dream. Ask and you shall receive. Believe when you pray.
I absolutely miss fashion right now, but I DEF dont miss working in the fashion industry where its do or die, everything was supposed to be done yesterday but couldnt bcos of other factors, and the stress... all for clothes, accessories, etc. I love fashion, but hi we are not saving lives!! ;] As I respect the fashion industry and the hard sweat, blood, and tears [lol. so not kidding], I felt my morals being unbalanced. So of course I tried to start my own fashion business but didnt follow through on marketing, etc. and just made a blog for my fashion outlet. lol.
As I am home later with screaming babies, house a mess, still have errands to run by myself... I might cry, lol but won't regret it. My prayer is still to be able to pursue fashion later when I'm 40+. tehehehe. I just can't and won't give up fashion. It's just on hold. My prayer is to be able to be a stylist and personal shopper when I'm in my 40s and 50s. Why not!? And with the power of prayer, I will be able to juggle in 15 hours a week to start that dream. Ask and you shall receive. Believe when you pray.
Sleeping
I am a light sleeper and my husband is not. He is a big snorer. I love cuddling and falling asleep and sleeping in each other's arms, lol. I can not do that. :[ And I don't sleep as well bcos of it. :P
After I wake him up, he falls asleep and is snoring again in less than 10 seconds. I already feel like I have an infant child. NO JOKE. :P The past couple weeks have been out of control. Maybe God is preparing me, LOL.
He promised to get that surgery in Korea. It's supposed to help a lot. I already go to sleep with ear plugs.
I used to hit him in the middle of the night, every time. I know it's not his fault nor does he know and I wake him up from his precious sleep so now I just gently tell him. He apologizes which is sweet. But dang.......... my body feels like I worked out all day and trust me that is not the case.
The past two weeks, I feel like I have a newborn. Today I woke up early, even before 11am. x[ hahaha
After I wake him up, he falls asleep and is snoring again in less than 10 seconds. I already feel like I have an infant child. NO JOKE. :P The past couple weeks have been out of control. Maybe God is preparing me, LOL.
He promised to get that surgery in Korea. It's supposed to help a lot. I already go to sleep with ear plugs.
I used to hit him in the middle of the night, every time. I know it's not his fault nor does he know and I wake him up from his precious sleep so now I just gently tell him. He apologizes which is sweet. But dang.......... my body feels like I worked out all day and trust me that is not the case.
The past two weeks, I feel like I have a newborn. Today I woke up early, even before 11am. x[ hahaha
Sunday, February 26, 2012
This past week the kids I nanny had the whole week off. I had that Monday off bcos the dad had off from work. Everyday I woke up at 7am [I usually wake up like 11am. Yo I'm taking advantage of my sleep right now and don't feel bad ONE BIT. :] Everyday we went on a new journey, a new place, a new museum, and a new adventure. We had so much fun and filled our entire day. I came home every night happy and exhausted. I couldnt WAIT to sleep in. ;]
This full week is a glimpse into my summer. I will be waking up madd early and being with the kids all day long. My summer will be a tiny mini glimpse into my future. And it doesnt seem bad at all. I think I'm made for this. :] I can handle this. Give me your kids and I'll take them too. hehehe.
This full week is a glimpse into my summer. I will be waking up madd early and being with the kids all day long. My summer will be a tiny mini glimpse into my future. And it doesnt seem bad at all. I think I'm made for this. :] I can handle this. Give me your kids and I'll take them too. hehehe.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Hilarious Questions To Ask Yourself Before Having Kids
reblogged: http://swankybaby.net/2012/02/hilarious-questions-to-ask-yourself.html & thestir.com
You think you are ready for a baby in your life, but are you sure you are ready? Don't let those perfect family photos you see all over facebook trick you into thinking that is what life will be like every moment. In fact taking those family pictures were probably stressful too!!
I found this hilarious list of questions (and their answers) from thestir.com and it was a must to share. My husband and I laughed the whole time reading this. Enjoy the laugh too!
1. Do you like to sleep in? [HXLL to the EFF YES. 10-12 hours a day. I dread not sleeping in future.]
If your answer is yes, consider getting a gerbil. If no, continue to the next question.
2. Are you totally cool with someone throwing up all over you? Repeatedly?
If yes, then I question your sanity for the job. If no, don't worry, you'll get used to it.
3. Can you go three days without sleep and still drive a car?
If you answered no, make sure you live by a reliable means of public transportation before getting pregnant. If yes, I want whatever it is you've got.
4. Do you require privacy to do your business in the bathroom? [Whew. 1 thing I can handle. hahahaha.]
If yes, prepare for problems, and invest in a good laxative.
5. Are you prepared to say goodbye to the sound of yourself thinking for at least the next 18 years?
If no, don't worry, you will quickly forget that such a sound even existed. There are plenty of new and unusual sounds that will take its place (Mommmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyy!).
6. Do you have a whole list of things you'll NEVER do as a parent? Do you hate to be wrong?
If yes to both, start by ripping that list up right now.
7. Do you love input from strangers on things that are none of their business and adore being judged for pretty much every move you make?
If no, proceed with caution and start practicing deep breathing techniques.
8. Can you clean up puke, change 10 crib sheets, make dinner, and help someone do homework while running a fever of 103?
Okay, no one thinks they can.
9. Do you like to fly on airplanes and eat in restaurants without the burning eyes of hatred from hundreds of glaring strangers searing into your skin?
If yes, think of adopting a 17-year-old. People usually start to be kinder to kids in public around that age.
10. Are you good at scraping things off of floors -- like oh, say ... your PRIDE?
This is pretty much the biggest deal breaker. Your personal pride all but evaporates it comes to leaking breasts, public potty accidents, and children who blurt out exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. The best you can do is scrape up the scraps and carry on.
Still ready for that baby? ha!
You think you are ready for a baby in your life, but are you sure you are ready? Don't let those perfect family photos you see all over facebook trick you into thinking that is what life will be like every moment. In fact taking those family pictures were probably stressful too!!
I found this hilarious list of questions (and their answers) from thestir.com and it was a must to share. My husband and I laughed the whole time reading this. Enjoy the laugh too!
1. Do you like to sleep in? [HXLL to the EFF YES. 10-12 hours a day. I dread not sleeping in future.]
If your answer is yes, consider getting a gerbil. If no, continue to the next question.
2. Are you totally cool with someone throwing up all over you? Repeatedly?
If yes, then I question your sanity for the job. If no, don't worry, you'll get used to it.
3. Can you go three days without sleep and still drive a car?
If you answered no, make sure you live by a reliable means of public transportation before getting pregnant. If yes, I want whatever it is you've got.
4. Do you require privacy to do your business in the bathroom? [Whew. 1 thing I can handle. hahahaha.]
If yes, prepare for problems, and invest in a good laxative.
5. Are you prepared to say goodbye to the sound of yourself thinking for at least the next 18 years?
If no, don't worry, you will quickly forget that such a sound even existed. There are plenty of new and unusual sounds that will take its place (Mommmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyy!).
6. Do you have a whole list of things you'll NEVER do as a parent? Do you hate to be wrong?
If yes to both, start by ripping that list up right now.
7. Do you love input from strangers on things that are none of their business and adore being judged for pretty much every move you make?
If no, proceed with caution and start practicing deep breathing techniques.
8. Can you clean up puke, change 10 crib sheets, make dinner, and help someone do homework while running a fever of 103?
Okay, no one thinks they can.
9. Do you like to fly on airplanes and eat in restaurants without the burning eyes of hatred from hundreds of glaring strangers searing into your skin?
If yes, think of adopting a 17-year-old. People usually start to be kinder to kids in public around that age.
10. Are you good at scraping things off of floors -- like oh, say ... your PRIDE?
This is pretty much the biggest deal breaker. Your personal pride all but evaporates it comes to leaking breasts, public potty accidents, and children who blurt out exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. The best you can do is scrape up the scraps and carry on.
Still ready for that baby? ha!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Personalized, Plush Blanket
I absolutely love getting things personalized for babies. Def want a personalized, plush blanket. All available at NM.
[So sorry. Have no clue how to fix this!]
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Family Jewels
I always think about passing down my jewelry to my children. I have jewelry my mom bought me [with stories behind them], family for my wedding, etc. that I cant wait to give to my daughter at her Sweet 16, when she turns 18, 21, 30, gets married, and has her own children. Or my future daughter in law.
I'm huge on reciving jewerly for special occasions, birthdays, etc. I used to make my girlfriends buy my jewelry for my 16th, 17th, 18th birthdays and Christmas, etc.! LOL. SO me. I feel so bad for them. I still wear [and never take off even in the shower] the name bracelet [they were able to get ONE diamond in the middle of the star. awwwww hahaha] the 3 of them got for me. They all pitched in $50~?, hehe.
Read please: http://www.theglow.com/zoe-buckman/?i#21
Anywhoos what I really want to say [jk?] is that I want jewelry for a push gift and I will pass that on to my daughter when she gives birth too! So spread the love, babe!!! :P IT's ALL for our future babygirl - me pushing and the push gift, LOLL.
Also going to get matching family bracelets for EVERYONE. muahaha. fuun
I'm huge on reciving jewerly for special occasions, birthdays, etc. I used to make my girlfriends buy my jewelry for my 16th, 17th, 18th birthdays and Christmas, etc.! LOL. SO me. I feel so bad for them. I still wear [and never take off even in the shower] the name bracelet [they were able to get ONE diamond in the middle of the star. awwwww hahaha] the 3 of them got for me. They all pitched in $50~?, hehe.
Read please: http://www.theglow.com/zoe-buckman/?i#21
Anywhoos what I really want to say [jk?] is that I want jewelry for a push gift and I will pass that on to my daughter when she gives birth too! So spread the love, babe!!! :P IT's ALL for our future babygirl - me pushing and the push gift, LOLL.
Also going to get matching family bracelets for EVERYONE. muahaha. fuun
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Bookcase Dollhouse
Soooo cute!
Materials needed:
Wrapping paper
Cardboard
Yarn
Scissors
Bookcase
Double-sided tape
Dollhouse furniture
Dolls
Reblogged. http://blog.landofnod.com/honest-to-nod/2012/02/try-this-bookcase-dollhouse.html
Go to the site to get the rest of the easy steps!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Hana's CGRC #17
...children are left unprepared and unprotected in the real world not knowing how to rely on themselves if they are "used to a certain way" [nicely put]. Let them be self reliant by not picking up after them, etc. when they hit a certain [young] age.
Also dont be too strict bcos that's just not as helpful.
Hana's Collected Guidelines for Raising Children is a name I made up of ideas I've read, heard, or thought about and have written down. All of these are easier said than done, but hope to keep as reminders for myself. A lot of the time, it's about a healthy balance.
Also dont be too strict bcos that's just not as helpful.
Hana's Collected Guidelines for Raising Children is a name I made up of ideas I've read, heard, or thought about and have written down. All of these are easier said than done, but hope to keep as reminders for myself. A lot of the time, it's about a healthy balance.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A Homemaker Today Is Worth...
Ok, I think this is kinda dumb below, but it's still fun! tehehe. I'm with everyone who believes that a homemaker and SAHM do A LOT in the least! And dude I will never mow the lawn, hahaha. xP
Got this from Swanky Baby's Mom blog
The financial services website Mint, have put out this week a breakdown of the value of different homemaker duties. They found that if the job were salaried, moms would earn: $96,261!
Here is the Mint's analysis -
“Private Chef: The American Personal Chef Association reports that its personal chefs make $200 to $500 a day. Grocery shopping is another chore that needs to be factored in. … Grocery delivery services charge a delivery fee of $5 to $10. Total cost for services: $1,005 per five-day work week times 52 weeks = $52,260 per year."
“House Cleaner: Professional maids or house cleaning service providers will charge by the hour, number of rooms or square footage of the home…. Total cost for services: $118 per week times 52 Weeks = $6,136 per year."
“Child Care: The International Nanny Association’s 2011 survey found that nannies make $600 to $950 per week in gross wages, on average. Total cost for services: $600 a week plus perks/benefits times 52 Weeks = $31,200 per year."
“Driver: Companies like Red Cap, which provides personal drivers that use the client’s own car as the means of transportation, offer a glimpse into the cost of this homemaker task. An elite membership which includes 365 days of unlimited, round-trip service is $1,000 a year plus 33 cents to $2.03 per minute. Total cost for services: $1,000 per year plus [(estimated miles driven 8,000 miles at 50 miles per hour) times 60 minutes per hour times $0.33 per minute] = $4,168 total per year."
“Laundry Service: Professional laundry services charge by the pound…. Total cost for services: $0.90 per pound times 4 pounds of clothes per day times 5 days per week times 52 weeks = $936 total per year.”
“Lawn Maintenance: This could include things such as mowing, debris removal, edging and trimming the lawn. These services cost about $30 a week, on average. Total cost for services: $30 per week for 52 weeks = $1,560 total per year.”
“The Bottom Line: Total for a year of all services is: $52,260 + $6,137 + $31,200 + $4,168 + $936 + $1,560 = $96,261 per year.”
The Mint editors say “The daily work of a homemaker can sometimes be taken for granted by his or her family members. However, these services could earn a homemaker a considerable wage if he or she took those skills to the marketplace,” They also added “Homemakers, in general, contribute a lot more to the home in addition to these tasks and no amount of money can fill those needs.”
So, what do you think? Is today's stay-at-home mom over or under valued to this?
http://swankybaby.net/2012/02/homemaker-today-is-worth.html
Got this from Swanky Baby's Mom blog
The financial services website Mint, have put out this week a breakdown of the value of different homemaker duties. They found that if the job were salaried, moms would earn: $96,261!
Here is the Mint's analysis -
“Private Chef: The American Personal Chef Association reports that its personal chefs make $200 to $500 a day. Grocery shopping is another chore that needs to be factored in. … Grocery delivery services charge a delivery fee of $5 to $10. Total cost for services: $1,005 per five-day work week times 52 weeks = $52,260 per year."
“House Cleaner: Professional maids or house cleaning service providers will charge by the hour, number of rooms or square footage of the home…. Total cost for services: $118 per week times 52 Weeks = $6,136 per year."
“Child Care: The International Nanny Association’s 2011 survey found that nannies make $600 to $950 per week in gross wages, on average. Total cost for services: $600 a week plus perks/benefits times 52 Weeks = $31,200 per year."
“Driver: Companies like Red Cap, which provides personal drivers that use the client’s own car as the means of transportation, offer a glimpse into the cost of this homemaker task. An elite membership which includes 365 days of unlimited, round-trip service is $1,000 a year plus 33 cents to $2.03 per minute. Total cost for services: $1,000 per year plus [(estimated miles driven 8,000 miles at 50 miles per hour) times 60 minutes per hour times $0.33 per minute] = $4,168 total per year."
“Laundry Service: Professional laundry services charge by the pound…. Total cost for services: $0.90 per pound times 4 pounds of clothes per day times 5 days per week times 52 weeks = $936 total per year.”
“Lawn Maintenance: This could include things such as mowing, debris removal, edging and trimming the lawn. These services cost about $30 a week, on average. Total cost for services: $30 per week for 52 weeks = $1,560 total per year.”
“The Bottom Line: Total for a year of all services is: $52,260 + $6,137 + $31,200 + $4,168 + $936 + $1,560 = $96,261 per year.”
The Mint editors say “The daily work of a homemaker can sometimes be taken for granted by his or her family members. However, these services could earn a homemaker a considerable wage if he or she took those skills to the marketplace,” They also added “Homemakers, in general, contribute a lot more to the home in addition to these tasks and no amount of money can fill those needs.”
So, what do you think? Is today's stay-at-home mom over or under valued to this?
http://swankybaby.net/2012/02/homemaker-today-is-worth.html
Thursday, February 16, 2012
What I'm really good at...
...chocolate covered strawberry in one hand and a macaron in the other. I have both of them in the fridge. I dont even realize and this is like 287th [Ok ty didnt make/buy me that many, but you know] since last night that I took a macaroon with my right hand and a CCS with my left hand and just eat. I'm not even pregnant dude [ugh I hope I'm pregnant!!]. And no crumbs on the bed. I am a talented and natural pregnant woman ;] haha thanks goodnight
Kristin & Kayla
http://kristinandkayla.blogspot.com/
I love his ideas, his girls, and the friggin quality of his photos - so amazing. I absolutely love his style. He seems like an awesome father! He is so creative and the girls are such amazing models!! :D
I love his ideas, his girls, and the friggin quality of his photos - so amazing. I absolutely love his style. He seems like an awesome father! He is so creative and the girls are such amazing models!! :D
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Crybaby
So last Friday the kids I nanny had their Tae Kwon Do test to move up from being a white belt to a yellow belt. They were nervous. The girl was especially nervous about breaking the board.
So there I am watching with the parents. First one does fine after couple tries. It came to the part where she had to break the board. She kept at it and by the 20th [no, no really] time I started to get so sad. Everyone in the entire room [all the kids taking the tests with their parents, nannies, friends, etc] all watching just her since she's the last one standing. She is a very persistent girl so she kept kicking the board without hesitation, but with every kick she got more and more discouraged. I know she's petrified inside, disappointed in herself, and frustrated that she cant kick the board in half after the 30th try. What she had been worried about for days and what she dreaded most ... her "worst" nightmare was coming true to her.
At this point, I am trying to hold myself together. [What the!?, right? LOL!] She finally breaks it! I'm so proud that she kept kicking until she broke the board. Then she wipes her tear really quickly like a 30 year old man, not even a little girl, and sits back down as everyone is cheering for her.
IIII, friggin of course, start to loose it. I cry. UGH. So many questions in my mind like I hope the parents dont see me, I hope this random dad next to me who isnt into the tests and on his iphone doesnt think i'm cray cray, I hope the teachers and master dont see me, I hope I'm not too red in the face and eyes, Geez why am I so emotional?, WHy am I crying?, OMG she isnt even my child!!, WAIT seriously why am I crying, OH GREAT I'm going to cry for EVERYTHING for my kids, etc etc. Yes, the FRiggin crybaby is me, not even the girl! :P
I know I'm a crybaby [I'm a HUGE crybaby], but why did I cry about this? It was so emotional for me. So sad. I wanted to shield her and tell her it was ok and that she did GREAT. And no I wasn't even being sensitive on my monthly so I dont get it. xP
So there I am watching with the parents. First one does fine after couple tries. It came to the part where she had to break the board. She kept at it and by the 20th [no, no really] time I started to get so sad. Everyone in the entire room [all the kids taking the tests with their parents, nannies, friends, etc] all watching just her since she's the last one standing. She is a very persistent girl so she kept kicking the board without hesitation, but with every kick she got more and more discouraged. I know she's petrified inside, disappointed in herself, and frustrated that she cant kick the board in half after the 30th try. What she had been worried about for days and what she dreaded most ... her "worst" nightmare was coming true to her.
At this point, I am trying to hold myself together. [What the!?, right? LOL!] She finally breaks it! I'm so proud that she kept kicking until she broke the board. Then she wipes her tear really quickly like a 30 year old man, not even a little girl, and sits back down as everyone is cheering for her.
IIII, friggin of course, start to loose it. I cry. UGH. So many questions in my mind like I hope the parents dont see me, I hope this random dad next to me who isnt into the tests and on his iphone doesnt think i'm cray cray, I hope the teachers and master dont see me, I hope I'm not too red in the face and eyes, Geez why am I so emotional?, WHy am I crying?, OMG she isnt even my child!!, WAIT seriously why am I crying, OH GREAT I'm going to cry for EVERYTHING for my kids, etc etc. Yes, the FRiggin crybaby is me, not even the girl! :P
I know I'm a crybaby [I'm a HUGE crybaby], but why did I cry about this? It was so emotional for me. So sad. I wanted to shield her and tell her it was ok and that she did GREAT. And no I wasn't even being sensitive on my monthly so I dont get it. xP
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Our D&B Babies
Yes, we [finally!! :p haha] took these at Dave & Busters. The first one, the girl, I bugged out about her messy hair! The second one... well I guess he could be our little boy. [LOLOL what am i talking about!] Someone [rude and mean] said he looks homeless...?! Hahahaha I'm already offended and these are just random pictures this machine spits out. No, but in all honesty, it was just fun. I know you don't believe me, but for once, I dont believe THIS ONE. hahaha
Monday, February 13, 2012
Car Seat Rules
Article from Stir at Cafemom by Christie Haskell
Rule #1: Make Sure Shoulder Straps Are in Proper Position
When baby is rear-facing, the top of the shoulder straps have to be at or below the baby's shoulders. When forward-facing (which your baby shouldn't be), they need to be at or above. This is measured perpendicular (at a right angle) from the recline of the back of the seat, not from the ground. When in doubt, put a popsicle stick into the slot with your baby in the seat to check -- sometimes the fabric of the seat can make it hard to tell where the strap really is.
Rule #2: Rear-Facing Is the Responsible Choice
Unless your child has serious medical problems, they have to rear-face until they literally cannot anymore. With all the new, cheaper seats with 40-pound or higher rear-facing limits, it's possible for anyone to have a seat that will keep their child rear-facing until the bare minimum of 2 years old and 30 pounds, as per the AAP's improved guidelines. But as they state, 2 years is the bare minimum -- your child is still significantly safer rear-facing until you cannot fit them that way any longer. After all, it's 500 percent safer.
Children's heads are a significantly larger portion of their body than an adult's and their spines are initially cartilage -- not bone. In the event of an accident, if their overly large head pulls on the weak spine (which doesn't fuse and harden until around 4 years old), they will likely suffer from internal decapitation -- this means that the cartilage and spinal cord inside their neck snap and they die instantly. It takes a serious medical problem to make that risk worth forward-facing a toddler before you absolutely have to. (I don't want to scare anyone -- this is all to help us keep our kids as safe as we can.)
Rule #3: No Gaps Allowed Between Baby's Crotch/Groin Area and Harness
This is really only an issue with newborns, but an important one. If there is a gap between crotch and harness buckle, roll up a washcloth or receiving blanket and put it in a upside-down U shape, with the middle between baby's crotch and the harness and the rest lying flat between the legs. This is one of the only "add-ons" allowed. When in doubt, call the manufacturer.
Rule #4: Be Sure the Chest Clip Is Positioned Properly on the Chest
The chest clip belongs between the nipples and armpits. This positions the straps so your child doesn't fly out of the seat -- and can cause damage when placed anywhere else.
Rule #5: Know the Proper Guidelines for Outgrowing a Seat
Outgrowing a seat has nothing to do with legs touching the seat. There has never been a case of legs breaking from touching the seat and even if there were -- would you choose for your child to break their legs or their neck? Only one of those can be fixed. Your child has outgrown a seat in weight when they reach the max limit for that position. This is non-negotiable. When rear-facing, your child has outgrown their seat in height when there is less than an inch of the hard shell left at the top of the seat above your child's head. This is measured perpendicular to the seat's recline. However, there is a new seat that has different guidelines -- so be sure to read the manual for your seat!
Rule #6: Straps Need to Pass "The Pinch Test"
The old rule of "two fingers under the chest clip" is outdated and resulted in straps that were way too loose. When straps are too loose, the child can fly out of the seat, or get stuck halfway and break god-knows-what. The new rule is to first pull any slack tight from the lap-portion, and then pinch the straps at the collar bone (your fingers are pinching top-to-bottom as shown here). If you're able to pinch the strap, it's too loose.
Rule #7: Coats Are Not Allowed
A cop reports seeing a coat strapped into a seat, even after the child who had been wearing it flew out of it. Coats are not safe in car seats and almost all manufacturers have this rule in their manual as well. To understand why, place your child in a coat and put them in their seat and tighten the straps properly. Without loosening the straps, remove your child and remove their coat. Now place them back in the seat. That is how much room your child would have once the coat compressed under pressure, much like how you can squish a pillow if you sit on it. If there is more than a tiny bit of extra slack (like the difference between sweatpants and stretch pants), the coat is too bulky. Instead, try taking your child's coat off right before putting them in the seat, buckling them in quickly, and then putting their coat back on them backward. I also keep blankets in my car for safety in case I'm stranded, as well as for the kids to use in winter. I even just bought two patterns of the Kid Snuggie ($14.99 to $26.99) at Toys R Us for both of my children to use while in the car, or you can buy a car seat poncho.
Rule #8: RTFM (Read the #^!&ing Manual)
Most car seats have a specific location for the manual on the seat so that it's kept with it at all times. That's because almost every single question you could have is listed in that little booklet, and the manufacturer's number is there for anything else. Use it. Even car seat pros utilize this booklet. Every single car seat is different with different rules, and this booklet (or the PDF of it online if you lost yours) is your golden ticket to proper car seat usage.
Rule #9: When in Doubt, Get Help
Skip the fire stations and police department -- they mean well, but often are no more trained than you are. Contact SafeKids at their website or at 1-866-SEAT-CHECK. There is no shame in asking for help, but there is shame in letting your ego or embarrassment stop you from making your baby as safe as they possibly can be.
Rule #1: Make Sure Shoulder Straps Are in Proper Position
When baby is rear-facing, the top of the shoulder straps have to be at or below the baby's shoulders. When forward-facing (which your baby shouldn't be), they need to be at or above. This is measured perpendicular (at a right angle) from the recline of the back of the seat, not from the ground. When in doubt, put a popsicle stick into the slot with your baby in the seat to check -- sometimes the fabric of the seat can make it hard to tell where the strap really is.
Rule #2: Rear-Facing Is the Responsible Choice
Unless your child has serious medical problems, they have to rear-face until they literally cannot anymore. With all the new, cheaper seats with 40-pound or higher rear-facing limits, it's possible for anyone to have a seat that will keep their child rear-facing until the bare minimum of 2 years old and 30 pounds, as per the AAP's improved guidelines. But as they state, 2 years is the bare minimum -- your child is still significantly safer rear-facing until you cannot fit them that way any longer. After all, it's 500 percent safer.
Children's heads are a significantly larger portion of their body than an adult's and their spines are initially cartilage -- not bone. In the event of an accident, if their overly large head pulls on the weak spine (which doesn't fuse and harden until around 4 years old), they will likely suffer from internal decapitation -- this means that the cartilage and spinal cord inside their neck snap and they die instantly. It takes a serious medical problem to make that risk worth forward-facing a toddler before you absolutely have to. (I don't want to scare anyone -- this is all to help us keep our kids as safe as we can.)
Rule #3: No Gaps Allowed Between Baby's Crotch/Groin Area and Harness
This is really only an issue with newborns, but an important one. If there is a gap between crotch and harness buckle, roll up a washcloth or receiving blanket and put it in a upside-down U shape, with the middle between baby's crotch and the harness and the rest lying flat between the legs. This is one of the only "add-ons" allowed. When in doubt, call the manufacturer.
Rule #4: Be Sure the Chest Clip Is Positioned Properly on the Chest
The chest clip belongs between the nipples and armpits. This positions the straps so your child doesn't fly out of the seat -- and can cause damage when placed anywhere else.
Rule #5: Know the Proper Guidelines for Outgrowing a Seat
Outgrowing a seat has nothing to do with legs touching the seat. There has never been a case of legs breaking from touching the seat and even if there were -- would you choose for your child to break their legs or their neck? Only one of those can be fixed. Your child has outgrown a seat in weight when they reach the max limit for that position. This is non-negotiable. When rear-facing, your child has outgrown their seat in height when there is less than an inch of the hard shell left at the top of the seat above your child's head. This is measured perpendicular to the seat's recline. However, there is a new seat that has different guidelines -- so be sure to read the manual for your seat!
Rule #6: Straps Need to Pass "The Pinch Test"
The old rule of "two fingers under the chest clip" is outdated and resulted in straps that were way too loose. When straps are too loose, the child can fly out of the seat, or get stuck halfway and break god-knows-what. The new rule is to first pull any slack tight from the lap-portion, and then pinch the straps at the collar bone (your fingers are pinching top-to-bottom as shown here). If you're able to pinch the strap, it's too loose.
Rule #7: Coats Are Not Allowed
A cop reports seeing a coat strapped into a seat, even after the child who had been wearing it flew out of it. Coats are not safe in car seats and almost all manufacturers have this rule in their manual as well. To understand why, place your child in a coat and put them in their seat and tighten the straps properly. Without loosening the straps, remove your child and remove their coat. Now place them back in the seat. That is how much room your child would have once the coat compressed under pressure, much like how you can squish a pillow if you sit on it. If there is more than a tiny bit of extra slack (like the difference between sweatpants and stretch pants), the coat is too bulky. Instead, try taking your child's coat off right before putting them in the seat, buckling them in quickly, and then putting their coat back on them backward. I also keep blankets in my car for safety in case I'm stranded, as well as for the kids to use in winter. I even just bought two patterns of the Kid Snuggie ($14.99 to $26.99) at Toys R Us for both of my children to use while in the car, or you can buy a car seat poncho.
Rule #8: RTFM (Read the #^!&ing Manual)
Most car seats have a specific location for the manual on the seat so that it's kept with it at all times. That's because almost every single question you could have is listed in that little booklet, and the manufacturer's number is there for anything else. Use it. Even car seat pros utilize this booklet. Every single car seat is different with different rules, and this booklet (or the PDF of it online if you lost yours) is your golden ticket to proper car seat usage.
Rule #9: When in Doubt, Get Help
Skip the fire stations and police department -- they mean well, but often are no more trained than you are. Contact SafeKids at their website or at 1-866-SEAT-CHECK. There is no shame in asking for help, but there is shame in letting your ego or embarrassment stop you from making your baby as safe as they possibly can be.
Friday, February 10, 2012
inspiration
Wish I could look like these gorg pregnant women when I'm pregnant! And yeah man I'm going to be wearing heels while I'm pregnant. Not 5 inches, but oh you already betcha KNOW I WILL have some extra height.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
It's my birthday today. I hope I'm pregnant!! Muahaha what else is new. I hope I get pregnant this month!!!
Ok so since I'm not pregnant yet, these pictures will be my gift to myself and to you guys coming to this blog. Even though it's not Halloween, what's better than this uber cute pumpkin in a Birkin and Chanel costume!!!!!? hahahaha awesome!!
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Ok so since I'm not pregnant yet, these pictures will be my gift to myself and to you guys coming to this blog. Even though it's not Halloween, what's better than this uber cute pumpkin in a Birkin and Chanel costume!!!!!? hahahaha awesome!!
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